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HomeSourcesmirror.co.ukMike Dean steps down from Premier League VAR role ending 28-year career

Mike Dean steps down from Premier League VAR role ending 28-year career

The legendary referee was named as a full-time Video Assistant Referee at the start of last season, but failed to adapt to his new role and will now leave professional football

Mike Dean is set to stand down from his position as a dedicated VAR – ending his legendary officiating career.

Dean, 55, had been named as a dedicated video assistant referee at the start of last season, after calling time on his on-field career. But the Telegraph report that after honest talks with chief of referees Howard Webb, it has been decided he is ‘unsuited’ to the role.

He was one of two officials exclusively tasked with working at Stockley Park, but struggled to make the transition and hadn’t officiated a game since February. As a Premier League referee Dean took charge of more than 500 games and remains infamous for his unique style.

Dean’s swift departure marks the latest move no-nonsense Webb has made since being appointed head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) – the body which oversees officiating. Last season saw several apologies made to clubs after mistakes, with Lee Mason – the other dedicated VAR – leaving his position in February.

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